Bringing a dozen strangers from different parts of the US together on a picture-perfect Greek island, Surviving Paradise — Netflix’s most recent answer to the question “What reality show can we get people hooked on?” — is best described as Survivor with influencers.
Promised the summer of a lifetime, the contestants are in for a huge surprise as soon as they reach their destination.
Instead of living it up at the luxury clifftop villa overlooking the ocean, they’re banished to the wilderness of the forest nearby and have to face a series of challenges (and lots of scheming) to earn their cozy spot inside the villa.
At stake is a $100,000 cash prize for those who manage to form the right alliances and move from the outdoor camp back into the villa — and stay there until the end.
The reality series was filmed in Lefkada, an idyllic Greek island in the Ionian Sea known for its soft-sand beaches, rich, blue waters, and picturesque traditional villages.
And while there’s no shortage of luxury villas on the beautiful Greek island, the producers made sure to pick one of the most impressive ones, to make the contestants’ efforts worthwhile.
Located in Porto Katsiki in Lefkada, Greece the Surviving Paradise villa is known as Noiya and consists of a main house and three standalone glass studios.
With 8 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, the luxury house can accommodate up to 16 guests, who also get to enjoy its many amenities, which include two swimming pools, a basketball court, and unobstructed sea views.
The villa’s description on The Thinking Traveller summarizes it best:
“Ensconced in the fragrant, emerald green pine woods of Lefkada’s southwestern promontory, Noiya occupies a panoramic position that has few rivals. Down below are two of the island’s most iconic beaches, and the charming seafront village of Vassiliki is close by, but once settled in, you may feel little inclination to leave behind the inspiring contemporary design, the luxurious touches, attentive service, and the splendid array of amenities that make Noiya such a joy to experience.”
Now try re-reading that description (particularly that last part, about having “little inclination” to ever leave the villa) through the contestants’ eyes.
The property is also for sale — though the contestants wouldn’t be able to afford it even if they all were to win the cash prize and pool the money together.
The villa appears to be listed for sale on the Barnes International Realty website with a €4,300,000 price tag. That’s a little over US$4.5 million. Mrs. Marika Dimitriadou holds the listing.
Renting it doesn’t come cheap either. A one-week stay at the Surviving Paradise villa costs between €13,000 and €32,000, which means groups can pay up to $34,000 to spend a week here.
So if you’d like to spend your next getaway with friends here, maybe ask a few (or a dozen) extra guests to join and split the costs; I hear there’s also an outdoor camp nearby that can accommodate people who aren’t welcome in the villa.
This isn’t Netflix’s first production shot primarily in Greece.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery was filmed in Porto Heli, Greece, with an equally impressive villa serving as Miles Bron’s Glass Onion house (though the glass onion portion on top was added with CGI), as was the 2021 drama/thriller Beckett, the first Netflix movie shot entirely in Greece.
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TOMS Shoes found Blake Mycoskie has been keeping busy lately.
After making headlines a while back with his staggering $100 million pledge to support psychedelic research (which has the potential to develop treatments for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues), Mycoskie tied the knot with former model Molly Holm.
And while we don’t know where the happy couple spent their honeymoon, we do know that they won’t be spending any time at Mycoskie’s house in Costa Rica — as the TOMS Shoes founder has recently listed his Playa Hermosa retreat for sale.
Priced at $4.2 million, the house is co-listed by Andrea Bissinger and Reese Langston of 2Costa Rica Real Estate.
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
To provide a little background for those who aren’t familiar with his work, Blake Mycoskie first introduced the ‘Buy-One-Give-One’ concept in 2006 — where his footwear company would match every pair of shoes sold with a new pair of shoes to someone in need through partnerships with non-profit organizations and was the first of its kind (now defunct).
His trail-blazing approach to social entrepreneurship soon led him to launch other product lines, including eyewear, apparel, and coffee.
Close to winning a million dollars in the second season of the reality TV show The Amazing Race, which he participated in with his sister, Mycoskie continued his journey to South America, where he witnessed the difficulties children faced in attending school without shoes.
Later, a subsequent trip to Argentina gave him a strong impetus to establish a for-profit business while adopting giving back to the community as its core business model.
In 2019, TOMS announced it was searching for new ways to participate in charity work beyond its pioneering concept. Fast forward two years, the company now donates a third of its profit to grassroots organizations, such as those working to end gun violence.
Inside TOMS Shoes founder ‘s idyllic escape in Costa Rica
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
The millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist’s scenic coastal home in Playa Hermosa at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is truly a one-of-a-kind surfer’s paradise.
‘‘Playa Hermosa”, which translates as ‘Beautiful Beach’, is a name that has come to encapsulate the pristine natural beauty of this very beach, offering future owners a tranquil haven of peace, serenity and comfort in the popular town of Santa Teresa.
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
Just a two-minute walk from the area’s thriving surf precinct welcomes a stunning stone walkway that leads to the main entrance, revealing a beautifully landscaped garden that wraps around the entire indoor living space. Inside, every designated zone opens up to the outside with floor-to-ceiling windows, making each space in the home stand out.
See also: Prince’s former Beach House in the Caribbean, now known as Emara Estate
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
This luxury Costa Rica estate boasts two open-floor homes — a one-story residence and a two-story house with a central path separating the common living areas and bedrooms, providing much-needed privacy.
Designed by prolific architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe, the magnificent private abode sits on a 12,368-square-foot lot with a tropical jungle-like concept completed in 2020.
Founder and design director of Studio Saxe, Saxe’s design is inspired by his quest to explore human relationships with the natural environment through architecture. And the result is astounding, a perfect fusion of modern design and the unspoiled beauty of nature.
The dual-home compound spans 6,458 square feet, featuring a total of 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, as well as a cinema, a children’s playroom, bike storage, and a swimming pool.
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real EstatePhoto credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
The two-story main house has a spacious balcony in the second-floor bedroom, a fantastic way to welcome each new day and soak up the gorgeous Costa Rican morning sunshine.
But what’s even more striking is its double-height living room clad with elevated wooden screens raised above an exposed steel beam, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the outdoor space to create a breezy yet cozy and intimate atmosphere.
And to top it all off, the covered outdoor kitchen features three elongated wooden chandeliers that accentuate the overall design, creating a harmony between simplicity and elegance. The magical sound of the ocean waves in the background — it’s music to the ears.
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
Stepping into the communal areas of the property, the kitchen island takes center stage with a built-in cooktop that completely opens up to the family room and transitions to a modern pool lounge, removing the boundary between the interior and exterior parts of the house – indeed, making it the heart of the home.
Incorporating clerestory windows in the kitchen and family room that date all the way back to ancient Egyptian temples adds an extra note of charm and brings in additional natural light while keeping the house cool all year round — a testament to Saxe’s meticulous attention to detail and flair for design.
Another notable amenity of this modern beach home is the resort-style semi-open bathroom with a vanity overlooking the garden through partially white-painted walls, a relaxing oasis to unwind after a busy day. And the best part – the bathroom is naturally ventilated, evoking a sense of connectedness to nature.
Photo credit: Andres Garcia Lachner courtesy of 2Costa Rica Real Estate
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Buying a home is a big deal, both emotionally and financially. For many people, homeownership is still an essential part of the American dream. And, of course, it’s the biggest investment some will ever make. With the median price of a house hitting $428,700 in mid-2022 (ka-ching), it’s not a purchase to be made lightly.
If you’re buying a home for the first time, you may expect it to be the same as those quick, fun-and-done experiences portrayed on reality TV shows. In truth, however, it’s a process with a steep learning curve and many moving parts, from figuring out your home-shopping budget to satisfying your final mortgage contingencies. There can be minor hiccups as well as major missteps along the way.
That’s where this article comes in. It will educate you about the six most common first-time homebuyer mistakes and help you avoid them, including:
• Not knowing how much house you can afford
• Not shopping around for the best mortgage rate
• Waiving an inspection because you’ve found your dream house.
First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid
You’ve new to this homebuying business, so it’s worthwhile to educate yourself a bit about a few of the key moves to make the process go smoothly. Here, we’ll highlight the steps required for first-time homebuyers and help you avoid some common mistakes when buying a house.
1. Not Getting Your Mortgage Paperwork Moving
Before you start browsing online listings or get your heart set on a certain neighborhood, it might be a good idea to contact a lender (or, better yet, lenders) to show sellers that you are loan-worthy. If you don’t get your mortgage pre-qualification or even a pre-approval started, you’re unlikely to impress sellers as a serious bidder worth their consideration. You might just look like a person who enjoys poking around open houses for design ideas.
Nip that in the bud as follows:
• Pre-qualification: You’ll provide basic information about your debt, income, assets, etc., and they will run a credit check and can give you an idea of how much you can borrow.
• They will also share information on different types of loans — such as fixed-rate vs. variable-rate and 30-year vs. 15-year term — so you can see what best suits your financial situation and goals.
Remember, though: Mortgage pre-qualification isn’t a commitment for the lender or buyer — it’s just a first step. If you appear to meet a lender’s standards, you could move on to the pre-approval stage.
• Pre-approval: This involves submitting additional income and asset documentation for a more in-depth review of your finances.
• Once the lender approves these aspects of your loan application, you’ll receive a conditional commitment for a designated loan amount — called a pre-approval letter — and have a better idea of what your loan terms will be.
• Mortgage pre-approval can help demonstrate to sellers that you’ve completed the first step in getting a mortgage because your credit, income, and assets have already been reviewed by an underwriter. This can smooth the bidding process and could give you an edge over others in a competitive situation with multiple offers.
2. Not Checking Out First-Time Homebuyer Programs
It’s wise to shop around for a few different mortgage quotes, but it can be a rookie mistake to overlook some great, government-sponsored programs that make homebuying more affordable. These include:
• insurance (PMI), along with lower closing costs and a low interest rate.
• FHA Loans : These mortgages are designed for those with low to moderate incomes. They typically offer low down-payment requirements, low interest rates, and the ability to get approval even if you have a fair credit score.
• USDA Loans : These provide affordable mortgages to those with a lower income who are planning on buying a home in a qualifying rural area.
• VA Loans : These mortgages help those on active military duty, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. If you can check one of those boxes, you may be eligible for a home loan with no down payment and no private mortgage.
3. Not Being Realistic About What You Can Afford
Once you know more about your mortgage pre-qualification, you can avoid the homebuying mistake of not knowing your home buying budget. The lender you choose will tell you the maximum amount you’re approved to borrow for a home, but you don’t have to use every penny of that money.
It’s important to keep other factors in mind as you determine the top price you’ll pay for your first home. If you don’t have your pricing guardrails in place, you could wind up overbidding and winding up with a too tight budget. Here, some ways set your sights realistically:
• Ask yourself if your projected mortgage payment will fit comfortably into your monthly budget. You may have to make some tradeoffs — less travel, shopping, or dining out — if your new payment is higher than your current rent or loan payment, which you can figure out with a mortgage calculator.
• Keep in mind that your mortgage probably isn’t the only new expense you’ll have to cover. If you’re buying a bigger place than your current rental, you will likely pay more for utilities. If the home has a lawn or pool, you might have to maintain them or pay someone else to do it. Or you may have a homeowner association (HOA) fee. Add those costs, gleaned from online sources and/or open houses, to your projected monthly budget (you can make a budget in Excel, use paper and pencil, or work with an app).
• You’ll also have to account for the cost of homeowner’s insurance and paying your property taxes. You can get some idea of what those costs will be by searching online. There are insurance calculators, and most home listings give you the annual property taxes.
By doing the math, you’ll make sure you are ready to keep up with the monthly flow of expenses without dipping into savings or taking on credit card debt.
First-time homebuyers can prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan, with as little as 3% down.
4. Digging Too Deep for a Down Payment
In their eagerness to become homeowners, many first-time buyers make the mistake of going overboard and directing every bit of money they have to the purchase.
If you have to drain your emergency savings to manage the down payment on a home, you might want to dial down the amount or wait and save up a bit more. Consider what could happen if the home needs a costly repair or, worse, if you or someone in your family suddenly has an expensive medical bill. That’s a good example of when to use an emergency fund.
The same thing holds for taking money from your retirement savings. The IRS allows first-time homebuyers (which the IRS defines as not owning a primary residence in the past two years) to withdraw money from an IRA penalty-free . But this is capped at $10,000, and you’ll still pay federal and state income taxes on the money — and lose out on the growth you’d possibly have if you left those funds alone.
If you have a 401(k), you could take a loan against those funds, but again, there are consequences. There may be a provision in your plan that prohibits you from making additional contributions until the loan balance is repaid, so you’ll miss out on any growth, and you may be required to pay back the loan immediately if you quit or lose your job. If that happens, the money you borrowed will become fully taxable and may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
There are benefits to putting 20% down on a home: You’ll avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) and your monthly payments will be lower. But 20% isn’t required. For example, the minimum down payment required for a conventional loan is 3%, and for an FHA loan, it’s 3.5%. According to the National Association of Realtors, first-time buyers typically put down 7% of a home’s price in 2021.
With all the other costs you could be looking at as you move into a home — closing costs, utility deposits, moving expenses, decorating, and more — your down payment amount is something to consider if you want to avoid getting in over your head.
5. Passing on a Full Inspection
It may be tempting to waive the home inspection when you’re trying to buy the home of your dreams — especially if you have some stiff competition to be the winning bidder for an in-demand property.
Sorry to say, this is a risky strategy. A home inspection might reveal critical information about the condition of a home and its systems, from electrical problems to hidden mold; from a failing septic system to a leaky roof. What you learn in an inspection could reveal that your dream home is actually a money pit.
What’s more, your inspection report might serve as a useful negotiating tool: You could use it to ask for repairs or to work out a better price from the seller. And if you really aren’t happy with the inspection results, you may be able to use it to cancel the offer to buy.
💡 Recommended: 7 Important Factors That Affect Property Value
6. Letting Your Emotions Get The Better of You
Homebuying can be a roller coaster, so it’s important to prepare yourself psychologically as well as financially. If you’ve ever talked to someone buying a house, you know there are potential pitfalls all through the purchasing process.
You might fall in love with the perfect house and find it’s way over your budget. You might get annoyed with the sellers or their Realtor, especially during the negotiation process. You might disagree with your spouse or a co-buyer about priorities.
All of these scenarios can cause a person to behave emotionally. It might make you want to walk away from a great deal. It might lead you to barrel ahead with a purchase, even when warning lights are flashing.
How to avoid such mistakes when buying a house? By recognizing that this will be a challenging and at times stressful process (especially because you are new to it), you can proceed more calmly. Find tools that help you move ahead with patience and a sense of calm, best as you can. With your eye on the prize — namely, your first home — you’ll get there.
💡 Recommended: 31 Ways to Save for a Home
The Takeaway
Buying a home for the first time is an exciting moment, but one that takes some time and care to make sure you avoid rookie mistakes. You’ll want to do due diligence, not skip steps, or get carried away by emotion.
When you’re ready to line up your financing, the loan terms you get could be nearly as significant as your home’s location in terms of long-term satisfaction.
When shopping for a mortgage, you may want to compare different interest rates, the length of the loan, and other factors that make one lender a better fit than another.
With a SoFi mortgage loan, for example, the pre-qualification process is super simple, and our loans have competitive rates. What’s more, qualifying first-time homebuyers can put down as little as 3%, and work with our Mortgage Loan Officers who can coach you through the required steps.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, see what a SoFi mortgage could do for you.
SoFi Mortgages Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
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Musical preferences are subjective and vary from person to person, but there are a few specific genres such as country, rap, and metal which are pretty commonly disliked. These genres are criticized for being overly simplistic, repetitive, or aggressive; and though nobody likes every genre of musuci, here are some of the least-liked musical styles our friends on Reddit love to hate.
1. Country Rap
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Country rap is a music genre that blends elements of country and hip-hop/rap music. But despite the innovation, many people find the combination of traditional country with modern hip-hop and rap vocals a little too jarring.
Manufactured, not Organic
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor expressed displeasure by saying, “…Country Rap, hell no. Sounds like Frat Boy manufactured [stuff] that you can tell an exec was behind. Faker than every reality TV show. That would be like J Cole picking up a guitar or Kendrick moving down to Alabama. And honestly, County fans deserve better.”
2. Cloud Rap
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Cloud rap is characteristically dreamlike, and relies heavily on ambient synthesizers, reverb, and delay effects. The lyrics focus on introspective themes, which can seem self-indulgent or lacking substance. The genre’s experimental nature and lack of emphasis on beats and bass lines may also not appeal to all listeners. Ultimately, it’s just a very unique and specific genre.
3. Black Metal
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Black metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music known for its aggressive and fast-paced sound, distorted guitars, and shrieking vocals. It’s often unsettling with its themes of Satanism and nihilism. Black metal has faced criticism for association with things like church burnings. Despite this, black metal still has a dedicated following of fans who appreciate its raw and intense sound, provocative lyrics, and unapologetic attitude. Its influence on other subgenres of metal remains evident, however.
Slytherin in Real Life
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One Redditor said, “Black metal. I like death metal, and regular old metal, but the bit of black metal I’ve heard just sounds like a bunch of dudes trying to roleplay as Slytherin or something.”
4. Mumble Rap
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Mumble rap is a subgenre of hip hop that emerged in the mid-2010s, known for its heavy use of autotune and repetition, resulting in indistinct lyrics. Its lyrics often focus on materialism, drug use, and hedonism. While some appreciate its catchy beats and melody, others criticize it for lacking substance and creativity. Critics argue that mumble rap lacks the depth and artistic complexity that hip hop is known for, with repetitive lyrics and generic sounds.
5. Jazz
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Jazz is a music genre that originated in Southern US African American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s distinguished by improvisation and syncopated rhythms. Jazz has evolved with the influence of cultural and social movements, and its history is rich with diverse styles and artists. Some find its slower pace and unconventional instrumentation challenging, but jazz has been incorporated into other genres with great success. While it’s important to recognize the cultural significance of jazz music, it’s just not for everybody.
Jazz feels like Panic
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One Redditor said, “Jazz. Like the regular jazz. Lounge jazz, I don’t mind, but the regular stuff is just unorganised mess to me, and I’d describe it as an audible panic attack.”
6. Reggae
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Reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is characterized by a strong rhythm from bass, drums, and guitar, along with the prominent use of an off-beat rhythm. Reggae lyrics often include social and political issues and messages of love and spirituality. Many genres, including Jamaican mento and ska and American R&B and soul have influenced reggae.
Angry by Association
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Reggae music suffered a lull due to a lack of promotion, lack of support, and a lot of US and UK artists keep trying to imitate the genre.
One Redditor said, “Reggae. Worked at a sandwich deli for a summer, and that is all they would listen to. Now I am conditioned to get angry whenever I hear that accent.”
7. Nursery Rhymes
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While nursery rhymes have been a staple of early childhood education and entertainment for centuries, they are not universally beloved. Some people find the repetitive nature of nursery rhymes tedious or the simple melodies and lyrics unappealing. Despite their historical and cultural significance, nursery rhymes are not immune to criticism or dislike. It is important to remember that nursery rhymes have brought joy and education to countless children and continue to be a valuable resource for early childhood development.
8. Acapella
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Acapella music is a style of vocal music that relies solely on human voices to create melodies, harmonies, and rhythm. It has a long history dating back to ancient religious chanting and folk music traditions and has gained popularity in recent years with the rise of acapella groups and competitions. Despite its unique sound and style, some people may not appreciate acapella music. Nonetheless, acapella music remains a valuable and innovative form of vocal music that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
The dislike of music genres is subjective and varies from person to person. Despite criticism and personal preference, all genres have their unique cultural significance and lasting impact.
10 Crazy Good Movies Where Women Are the Bad Guys
Image Credit: Lionsgate
Are you looking for a movie night with a twist? Look no further than these Reddit-voted top ten films where women take on the destructive bad guy role.
10 Crazy Good Movies Where Women Are the Bad Guys
15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original
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Sometimes, a cover of a song ends up doing far better than the original. Some covers are so good that we didn’t even realize the cover version wasn’t actually the original.
15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
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People will always have preferences and something to say about celebrities. What you might love may not be the same for others. Whether it’s about their past behaviors, legal issues, or feuds with other celebrities, here is a list of celebrities people just cannot stand.
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
11 Vampire Movies That Will Leave You Yearning for More
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures
Sometimes, we just love to watch a favorite vampire movie; one of the ones that never get old. It piques our imagination with the unknown, story of two teenagers fighting for their love, the incredible and creepy scenes, and the bloodsucking classics.
11 Vampire Movies That Will Leave You Yearning for More
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
Image Credit: Rosebud Releasing Corporation
Every once in a while, a movie sequel or remake surpasses the original film. After polling the internet, “Name a single movie where the sequel or remake was better than the original?” Here are the top-voted responses.
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
We all have our own preferences for everything, including TV shows. Some of us love creative storytelling, original plots, and character development. Sometimes it’s a classic RomCom, thriller, or mystery. But while we have shows we love, we also could name a few shows we never want to see. So on that note, here are some of the top shows our friends on Reddit never want to see again!
1. Keeping Up with the Kardashians
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While others find the Kardashian show entertaining and fun to watch, some people just can’t stand it any longer.
One person commented, “Idk how anyone does it. I got 2 episodes in (maybe?) To the 12 yr old dancing on the stripper pole and I was done.”
Another person replied, “My Girlfriend used to watch it a lot and I would be in the room while she was not really paying attention. The show is garbage….but Scott Disick is freaking hilarious.”
One commenter added, “I second that. Don’t understand why anyone wants to watch it.”
2. The Bachelor
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
One person stated, “Generally most reality TV. Anything Bachelor-like, Real Housewives, Kardashians, that kind of thing. But even then I wouldn’t say REFUSE, they just don’t appeal to me. If my wife really wanted me to watch those with her, I’d be willing to.”
“My roommates in college were really into the bachelor for whatever reason, and I watched a couple episodes. Honestly, it just felt extremely weird to watch. A single guy/girl dating like 20 people at a time, all while having ‘deep’ connections with all of them, then dumping them weekly. All while being televised for maximum TV drama. It’s kinda stupid if you think about it. I guess it’s not my business really, but it’s not too shocking that not a lot of those final relationships last long,” another added.
3. Sister Wives
Photo Credit: Figure 8 Films.
“I used to when it started when I was bored. But TikTok just brought me back into it. Spoiler: he ends up with one wife because he has no clue how to keep 4 happy. And almost every single one of his kids dislike him. So I did enjoy that part,” one person shared.
“Thank you, finally someone mentioned it,” another person replied.
4. Riverdale
Photo Credit: Warner Bros Television Studios.
Despite the show being a “show” and just following the script, some people just wanted it to be a little more relatable or realistic.
“Euphoria, Riverdale, Outer Banks, All American. They [are all crap]. My sister loves the shows and it physically pains me how dumb these shows are,” one user commented.
5. Tiger King
Photo Credit: Universal Content Productions.
The Tiger King is a true crime documentary series that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The show focuses on the life and career of Joe Exotic, a former zookeeper and big cat breeder in Oklahoma, USA, who became embroiled in a murder-for-hire plot against his rival, animal rights activist Carole Baskin.
One person stated, “Not popular now but Tiger King. Couldn’t get over how bad those animals were treated and can’t bring myself to watch it.”
Another person commented, “I maintain that if Netflix viewers weren’t kept inside by lockdown, the show would not have been so successful. I watched it and I did not feel good about myself after.”
“Me too, I felt like the only person in the world that didn’t watch it and I felt horrible for the animals, so I refused to watch,” one Redditor added.
6. Velma
Photo Credit: Charlie Grandy Productions.
One person said, “I love that show for uniting everyone on hating it and questioning why better-animated adult series didn’t get renewed. Close Enough is owned by Warner Bros and got the ax, but they thought an animated Scooby Doo comedy without Scooby Doo or humor and a lot of social justice buzzwords deserved a second season?”
Another user added, “It’s a completely averagely mediocre show that was only given any attention because it was designed to rile people up and used a popular franchise (if it wasn’t a Scooby Doo property, I’m pretty sure nobody would be talking about it) It’s not even worth the time to hate, just move on with your lives lmao.”
One commenter added, “No redeeming qualities whatsoever. It’s just using the IP and character names to make an obnoxious show with annoying characters.”
7. The View
Photo Credit: Lincoln Square Productions.
“Just a bunch of angry women yelling over each other, avoiding any real discussion. Basically, to win an argument, all you have to do is interrupt someone, then speak louder than them,” stated one.
“A bunch of narcissistic sociopaths who dwell on conjecture, emotional rants, unsubstantiated opinions and claptrap that tows the line of their token demographics. I never thought I’d say this, but the show actually had something resembling substance and an intelligent dialogue when Barbara Walters was on it,” one person replied.
“Omg. Hate this show. And why is it so far down on the list,” a third commenter added.
8. Emily in Paris
Photo Credit: Darren Star Productions.
“My wife started watching it, so I tagged along. Didn’t like it, but started to find it weirdly fascinating as I figured out every episode was the same as the previous. Emily comes up with a great idea; bitchy boss reluctantly approves. Things go well, until she screws up. Oh no! But then everything turns out fine. In between, guys fall in love with her. It’s kind of an updated I Love Lucy—even the closing theme is similar. There must be millions of girls in high school and college who are thinking they’ll move to Paris and get a cool job and hang out with a hip friend who speaks English and every guy will fall for her,” one person said.
One commenter replied, “I’ve instead watched a bunch of YouTube videos about how terrible it is lol.”
“Same here. Every conflict is solved by her being pretty. Which…isn’t cute. It is being compared to Sex And The City, which I realize is outdated, but I was in college when it first aired and I loved it. Carrie was not beautiful, but she was charming. This show is the opposite,” Another user added.
9. This Is Us
Photo Credit: NBC.
This Is Us is a drama television series that premiered on NBC in 2016 and is still ongoing. The series is known for exploring family dynamics, including themes such as love, loss, grief, and forgiveness. The show is also known for its use of flashbacks and flash-forwards to tell its stories in a non-linear fashion.
One person shared, “Hulu has been trying to pressure me into watching that show for years.. not gonna happen.”
“I can understand why people don’t want to watch something like that, but, I watch the show with my mother and my brother and honestly, it’s kind of cathartic to be able to cry with them even if it’s a totally over-the-top absolutely unreal situation,” another commenter added.
10. Thirty Mile Zone
Photo Credit: TMZ Inc.
One person said, “It’s so bad. I respect that they tend to be right about what they report (they hate being sued), but that ‘newsroom fishbowl’ thing that they try to make funny is…not that funny, and any time I’ve ever tuned in, there’s not enough interesting stuff to fill an episode.”
Another added, “I used to watch this and after a while it became so obvious which celebrity has them on their payroll.”
11. 13 Reasons Why
Photo Credit: July Moon Productions.
“Hated that show. It almost seemed to glorify depression and [self-harm and dying] amongst the gen zers,” one person shared.
“Yeah that will forever pi** me off. I loved 13 Reasons Why. The first two seasons at least. After that, it got ridiculous. Giving Bryce a redemption arc though? That was undeserved. I would have preferred a redemption arc for Monty. At least he had problems besides not getting enough attention from mommy and daddy,” another stated.
One commenter replied, “I watched the first season for an actor who’s in it and after that, I stopped. It should’ve ended in the first season.”
12. Jersey Shore
Photo Credit: 495 Productions.
One person stated, “One time I was drinking with my elder brother and his girlfriend here at my house, and out of all the things we could watch. They chose to watch Jersey Shore. That’s when I decided we go to the bar.”
Another one added, “I’m from Jersey, but I do a lot of international travel, and for about 5 years everyone brought up that show. I’d have to explain that the fist-pumping, spiked-hair idiots weren’t even from NJ, they just invade our beaches every summer, while my friends and I laugh at them at the bars. They’re the animals at the zoo, and the rest of New Jersey were the zoo keepers.”
13. Euphoria
Photo Credit: HBO Entertainment.
“Sam Levinson is definitely a total creep. We’re gonna learn that he did a ton of sketchy stuff in a few years. Mark my words,” one person stated.
“I watched the first episode and was so disgusted that I never want to watch it again (and I am not prudish. I just really hate how they handle discussions about teenagers and [intimacy] and how they treat their female characters),” another Redditor replied.
“Not the worst show out there but it’s really not as profound as it thinks it is. Great cinematography though,” one user added.
14. 1,000-lb Sisters
Photo Credit: Black Canvas Productions.
One user commented, “1,000 lb Sisters— feels both exploitative of the obese and glorifying of the stupid at the same time. No time for that…”
Another person replied, “Modern-day freak shows.”
Another Redditor added, “Whenever I accidentally see a moment of an ad for that, I am so creeped out. Is that really a human face?”
15. Love Island
Photo Credit: ITV Studios.
“I have sat through a number of reality shows like this one with my wife, and I usually don’t mind them, but this year I told her I’m not watching Love Island anymore. The majority of the people on it are so one dimensional and I truly can’t give a s*** what happens to them, if I hear ‘I got a text!’ one more time I’m going to throw up,” one person stated.
The second person replied, “I wish just once one of these shows like Love Island, Married at first Sight, Are You the One, The Bachelor etc., had normal people. They are always all ‘influencer’ types, which just means attractive unemployed but rich 20 something with a social media following. Like I want to see anyone with a body fat over 20%, someone who struggles with poverty and working in retail, someone with a health (physical or mental) condition they are trying to manage, someone who has been divorced etc.”
16. Black Mirror
Photo Credit: Netflix.
“My ex suffered a psychotic breakdown and fully believed the show was being written specifically to send her messages. She would constantly tell me about how this character or that plotline was about her life. It was horrifying to watch. Just the opening screen makes me sick to my stomach,” one person shared.
Another commenter replied, “It def sets off anxiety prone people. My wife couldn’t watch it. I finished the whole series.” Finally, the third added, “I saw the first episode and stopped there. I still haven’t seen another one, just nope.”
17. Big Mouth
Photo Credit: Danger Goldberg Productions.
One person stated, “Why is it soooo ugly omg. I can’t get past it.”
Another user added, “I love trashy cartoons, but Big Mouth is just too trashy.”
One commenter said, “First season was quite funny if you like immature humor but after that it went downhill.”
Source: Reddit.
Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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Image Credit: Troma Entertainment
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On Instagram last month, reality television personality Tarek El Moussa posted a video of himself strolling a street in North Hollywood to tell his 1.3 million followers about his new big plans.
El Moussa co-hosts a real estate show on HGTV called “The Flipping El Moussas” with his wife, Heather, who is also a cast member on Netflix’s “Selling Sunset.” El Moussa shared that he had just finished walking the nearby property where the couple is developing a “super cool, super modern” 138-unit apartment complex with a rooftop pool.
“We got so lucky to find this land,” El Moussa said. “Because finding land like this in North Hollywood, it’s literally impossible.”
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El Moussa left out of the video why a lot like this was available in the first place. Just a week before, the current property owner was convicted in federal court of hiring someone to set fire to vacant units on the site, an arson that tenants say was part of a years-long illegal harassment campaign to force them to leave.
Now the El Moussas are evicting the five remaining tenants, who all are in rent-controlled units. The residents worry about their future in L.A.’s sky-high rental market and believe they should be compensated for the turmoil they’ve gone through.
“It’s been my home for 40 years,” said Cathy Livas, 77, who pays $824 a month to live in a dingbat unit with her 56-year-old son with special needs. “Why would I want to live anywhere else? Do you know the price of rents?”
Livas and other tenants said they’d be willing to negotiate a buyout but believe it should be far in excess of the up to $25,000 required under the law given that their outgoing landlord, ArthurAslanian, tried to burn them out of their homes and otherwise illegally force them to go.
In a presentation to investors, the El Moussas project that after five years they’ll be able to sell the apartment complex for $26 million more than what it costs to acquire the property and build the development.
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“Pay us to leave,” said Clare Letmon, 32, who lives in a bungalow with her husband, Jonpaul Rodriguez, 35. “But pay us an amount of money that’s dignified and recognizes the profit they’re set to make off of everything that was done to us.”
Clare Letmon looks at a bungalow across from hers that was badly damaged in an arson.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Neither Tarek nor Heather El Moussa could be reached for comment. In an emailed statement, Eda Kalkay, the El Moussas’ public relations representative, said that the El Moussas recognize the property owner is involved in “several serious legal matters” but that the couple and other development partners will have no affiliation with them once the sale of the property is finished.
“The goal is to work closely and respectfully with the current tenants by providing proper move-out compensation and constructing a safe and pristine new apartment complex that will also include 14 low-income units,” the statement said.
The property, made up of multiple lots, currently houses 10 bungalows, five dingbat apartments, a single-family home and 6-foot-tall weeds growing next to the burned-out structures.
The horrors of living there began years ago when tenants said Aslanian started ripping out the walls of their units, exposing them to asbestos, mold and vermin and retaliated against them when they complained or pushed for repairs.
In February 2022, Aslanian promised to pay someone $2,000 to set fire to the property, federal prosecutors said. Using a borrowed gas canister and a hotplate, only the outside of a building was scorched. The next month, a second fire, prosecutors said, was started by another co-conspirator, burning two of the vacant bungalow units.
Prosecutors said Aslanian’s arson campaign was designed to force the tenants out, and most of the residents have left the property. Aslanian secured approval for the new 138-unit project within months of the fires.
“Those permits exist because of everything Arthur did,” Letmon said. “The building was almost vacant because of everything Arthur did.”
Aslanian was convicted of three charges related to the fires last month in addition to multiple charges for conspiring with his employee to hire a hitman to kill two men — one who opposed him in litigation and the other who represented one of his companies in bankruptcy.
Arthur Aslanian stands outside an apartment complex he owns during a fire in 2022.
(Hartsook Tenant Assn.)
Letmon and Rodriguez’s rent is $1,650 a month, but they’ve stopped paying, saying they refuse to give money to a landlord who set their home on fire.
Some previous tenants sued Aslanian over conditions at the property and have received a settlement for an undisclosed amount. The current tenants have a pending lawsuit against him.
But conditions at the property remain dire. The burnt-out bungalows are boarded up, and tenants say they’re still unsafe. Vacant units in the dingbat have broken windows. A tree next to Livas’ unit is overgrown.
A new development group called NoHo 138, which includes the El Moussas, took over the project earlier this year. Representatives of the developers, though not the El Moussas, met with tenants in the winter. The El Moussas began to advertise the apartment plan to investors.
In a video posted to YouTube in May, Tarek El Moussa, whose first real estate reality show was called “Flip or Flop,” stood outside the property touting it as “my biggest flip ever.”
“I am more excited about this thing than anything I’ve ever done in my life,” El Moussa said.
The tenants received their eviction notices in late June. They have become even more alarmed as the El Moussas ramped up their investment campaign.
On Instagram, the El Moussas promoted the development opportunity using a fire emoji, something Letmon and Rodriguez said was insensitive given the arson. Tarek El Moussa said that they planned to break ground “in a few months.” Under the law, tenants 62 or older can remain in their apartments for a year before getting evicted.
“My year isn’t up until June next year, so I don’t know how they’re going to build with me here,” Livas said.
Kalkay, the El Moussas’ spokesperson, said Tarek filmed the video that promised an early groundbreaking before he knew the full context of the tenants’ situation with Aslanian, and the developers will follow all provisions of eviction law. She added that El Moussa meant no offense with the fire emoji.
Home renovation specialist Tarek El Moussa inspects a property on one of his reality TV shows.
(HGTV)
“Anyone that follows Tarek would know that he is a fan of using emojis on social media,” Kalkay said in response to emailed questions from The Times. “By no means was he making any insinuation or mockery of the tenants’ past experience with the seller.”
Letmon and Rodriguez have tried to track the El Moussas’ promotion for the development. They said it’s been difficult to watch the couple talk about their expensive vacations and advertise that their investors will get invitations to exclusive yacht parties with them.
“It’s an insult when I know he’s spending his summer in the Hamptons and in Cabo and he can’t make time for tenants whose displacement is enabling ‘the biggest flip of his life,’” Letmon said.
Letmon and Rodriguez also have begun posting about their plight on social media, tagging El Moussa on Instagram and asking to meet with him in person.
“Real smart…Keep offending someone that is trying to help you,” El Moussa responded in a July 12 direct message Rodriguez shared with The Times.
Kalkay said that El Moussa is the one being harassed.
“Regardless of the alarming personal attacks sent to Tarek El Moussa and his family via social media DM, he continues to remain sensitive to the situation of the tenants,” she said.
Kalkay added that other development partners plan to continue contacting the tenants and have already reached out to the tenants’ attorney in the hopes of continuing negotiations over their departure.
“As just one of the partners that make up NoHo 138, Tarek’s role is to work on other areas of this deal, but the appropriate people managing this area intend to meet with all tenants,” Kalkay said.
Times staff writers Noah Goldberg and Salvador Hernandez contributed to this report.
Former President Donald Trump has not made his real estate great again.
Trump has dominated the headlines recently, as he announced his intention to run for office again and then became the first former commander in chief to face criminal charges. But the polarizing politician and reality TV star is first, and perhaps foremost, a real estate mogul. And the past few years have not been kind to his sprawling residential real estate portfolio.
While home prices across America generally rose quickly during the “pandemic pump” housing market, sale prices at the properties listed on the Trump Organization’s website have either declined or appreciated at a slower pace than the local markets they’re in.
To be sure, the COVID-19-era real estate market will be one for the history books, defined initially by ultracheap mortgages, the liberation of newly mobile Americans who could pursue “remote work” away from their abandoned offices, and a continued housing shortage that all pushed home prices up in dramatic ways. The price gains have begun to correct in some areas, but in large part, historically high prices appear to have stuck.
But Trump’s real estate brand hasn’t benefited as much from the favorable housing market. Price appreciation for condos in properties listed on the Trump Organization’s website has been lower both in the luxury real estate and overall housing markets.
For example, the median condominium sale price in the U.S. rose 38% between 2019 and 2022, according to CoreLogic data. But over the same period, the median sale price at Trump Organization properties declined 14%. (The properties Realtor.com® analyzed were all condos.)
And while the price changes varied around the country, his condos didn’t outperform any of the local markets where they’re located.
Some local experts believe the price declines are related to the former president’s controversial politics, especially since most of his properties are in Democratic-leaning areas. Since he ran for office, his name has been pulled off some of his prime real estate holdings in major cities.
“A lot of people have said the buildings are great,” says Dan Neiditch, the president of River 2 River Realty in New York. “But when they have the Trump name on the buildings, it’s all about branding. And when that’s the case, you live and die by your brand, by your name.”
Trump was recently charged with 34 felony counts related to hush money payments made to an adult film star, is under investigation for election interference in Georgia, and is facing multiple lawsuits. That could also affect his real estate holdings, especially in places where the former president isn’t popular.
To come up with our findings, we pulled home sale records from CoreLogic, a real estate transaction data provider, for properties listed on the Trump Organization’s website. Then we compared them with condo sale prices for the counties where those properties are located. Because the CoreLogic data is not perfect, we also excluded transactions that appear to have erroneously high and low transaction amounts recorded (likely data entry mistakes).
While all of the Trump Organization’s condo projects were included in the national numbers, Trump real estate markets with fewer residential units (including Connecticut, Hawaii, and Westchester, NY) are not detailed in the pull-out sections below.
We used 2019—the year before pandemic fluctuations roiled U.S. housing—as a starting point/benchmark for our calculations.
Note: It’s unclear if every property listed on the Trump Organization’s website is owned by the organization. The Trump Organization is a privately held corporation, so it isn’t required to disclose the specifics of its real estate holdings to the public. And even though the Trump name might prominently grace a building, it doesn’t mean that the organization owns the property. The former president licenses his name for a host of different things, including real estate and consumer products.
The Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment.
Trump Tower in New York, NY
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
For decades, Donald Trump made a name for himself as a New York City real estate celebrity and tabloid fixture. The Big Apple was his launching pad, where the Trump Organization began developing residential properties in the early 1980s. And it’s still where his company has the most buildings.
He announced his first run for the presidency, in 2015, in his iconic Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, where he rode down a golden escalator.
But in the past few years, the organization’s Manhattan properties have fallen behind the competitive Manhattan condo market.
In 2022, the median sale price for all of the organization’s New York City properties combined was about $1.75 million. Within the past 10 years, that figure hit a high point in 2015, at $2.3 million, and a low in 2020, at around $1.4 million.
Since just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump Organization’s prices are down about 16%—far behind the roughly 11% price growth for all condos in Manhattan over the same period.
The list of Manhattan buildings listed on the organization’s website includes the Trump Tower, in Midtown, and Trump Parc, on the southern edge of Central Park. On the Upper West Side, the organization has six buildings that make up Trump Place, situated along the Hudson River. Three are apartment buildings, which were not included in this analysis, and three are condominium buildings. Residents voted to remove the Trump name from the buildings in 2019. There is also Trump International Hotel & Tower, on Central Park West. In Midtown East, the organization owns Trump World Tower, looking onto the East River, just across the street from the United Nations headquarters. And on the Upper East Side, the organization owns Trump Park Avenue, Trump Palace, and 610 Park Avenue.
Despite the successful efforts to remove the Trump branding from several of his New York properties, much of the Trump residential real estate is still highly valued among certain buyers.
Trump Park Avenue in New York, NY
(Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
According to luxury real estate broker Dolly Lenz, the properties themselves and their management are second to none.
“The management of the properties—whether it’s Trump Tower, Trump International, Trump World Tower—are some of the best-run buildings in New York,” she says. “They choose the best doormen, the best concierges, so the service is top quality.”
But many of the Trump Organization’s properties are older and have trouble competing with the newer buildings, which offer more modern designs, layouts, and amenities. Trump Tower opened in 1983—40 years ago.
For some local experts, it’s politics that have caused the lagging prices.
“New York and New Jersey are majority-Democrat states. I believe the prices of Trump’s properties take a hit just because of the politics of the people in the area,” says Neiditch, of River 2 River Realty. “We’ve had people who lived there, who said, ‘Hey, we want to sell. We don’t want to live in a building where that name’s on the outside.’”
Access to Trump Tower, which was more restricted during Trump’s presidency due to heightened security and Secret Service activity, also likely affected the value of the units in the bellwether building, says one real estate expert, who asked not to be named.
Trump Grande in Sunny Isles, FL
(MICHELE EVE SANDBERG/AFP via Getty Images)
Fed up with the backlash against him and his politics, Trump officially left New York. Since 2019, the former president has called the purple state of Florida home. He now resides in his oceanside Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.
The Trump Organization has residential properties in and around Miami, including Trump Grande, Trump Tower Sunny Isles, and Trump Hollywood.
The Trump-branded properties in Florida’s Miami-Dade and Broward Counties appreciated by about 15% between 2019 and 2022, after first dipping in 2020, the biggest price gains of any location analyzed.
But prices shot up much higher in Florida during the pandemic as the Sunshine State saw an influx of companies and new residents. In the Miami-Dade and Broward markets where Trump properties are located, the median condo sale price has increased by more than 50%, going from just under $200,000 in 2019 to just above $300,000 in 2022.
And for the luxury condo segment in the same area (the upper 10% of sales by price), which is closer to the price range of the organization’s properties, prices grew by more than 60% over the same period.
Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas. NV
(AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Trump International Hotel & Tower’s opening in Las Vegas in 2008 marked the organization’s first expansion into the western U.S. But condo sale prices in the building have substantially lagged behind overall Las Vegas condo price appreciation.
The median sale price at Trump International Hotel & Tower took a significant hit in 2020, dropping from $305,000 to $214,500. Since then, the prices rose but were still down about 8% below pre-pandemic prices.
Meanwhile, in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas and the surrounding cities, the median condo sale price rose by more than 50% from 2019 to 2022.
June Stark, a real estate agent and broker at The Stark Team–Elite Realty, in Las Vegas, blamed pandemic restrictions as one of the reasons that Trump property prices dropped. Reduced tourism affected the building, which is a combined hotel and condo tower.
“The building itself is beautiful, probably the best-maintained hotel and condo tower in the city,” Stark says, noting that she was among the first agents to sell the residences.
Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago, IL
(Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago looms large in the city, with its height, distinctive style, and prime location, but the sale prices have taken a dive.
At 98 stories and reaching 1,388 feet, it’s the seventh-tallest building in the nation and second in Chicago (behind the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower). The building’s off-centered, tapering spire is hard to mistake, but it’s the 20-foot-tall and 141-foot-wide “TRUMP” sign on the building on the northern bank of the Chicago River that informs anyone who passes by who owns the building.
But while the building’s prominence is unquestionable, the median sale price for residences there dropped by almost half in 2020 alone—going from just below $1.5 million the year before to $750,000. Since then, prices have come back some, but at $1 million in 2022, the median sale price is still down more than 30% compared with before the pandemic.
During the same three-year period, 2019–22, the median condo sale price in Cook County, which includes most of the Chicago area, rose about 12%. But for additional context, condos priced closer to Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago, those within the top 10% of sales by price for Cook County, also saw a big drop in prices in 2020, and an overall price decline greater than the Trump Organization’s building.
88 Morgan Street Condominiums in Jersey City, NJ
(Realtor.com)
Across the Hudson River from the Trump Organization’s Manhattan properties is 88 Morgan Street Condominiums, formerly known as Trump Plaza Residences, in downtown Jersey City. The 55-story building, developed by the organization in the late 1980s, provides a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline and the Upper Bay.
But 88 Morgan Street has not seen the same price gains as condos nearby. The median condo price in Hudson County, NJ, which includes everything from Bayonne to North Bergen and from the Hudson River across the Hackensack River to Kearny and Harrison to the west, saw modest appreciation during the pandemic, rising by about 14% from 2019 to 2022.
In Jersey City, condo sale prices at 88 Morgan Street rose only 4%.
“I know in those buildings in New Jersey, there have been fights about taking his name off,” says Neiditch, of River 2 River Realty, “but that’s been going on since back in 2016.”
An elegant new offering from famed architect William Hefner has hit the market for a cool $39.9 million. Located at 1000 Laurel Way, the Laurel House boasts a modernist, resort-like design that perfectly encapsulates the best of Beverly Hills living.
The 16,000-square-foot estate features a total of 9 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms spread across three floors. Completed in 2020, this mansion has a lot more than stunning architecture to be proud of.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The Agency
On top of being a Hefner masterpiece, another prominent name is attached to the property.
It was developed by real estate mogul Adnan Sen, owner of Sen Properties, who is known for creating ultra-luxurious mansions. Per their website, Sen’s company is “dedicated to reclaiming Beverly Hills as the most exciting and glamorous city in the world.”
That name may sound familiar if you are a fan of Netflix’s Selling Sunset.
The wealthy developer (and his Laurel House property) briefly appeared on the popular real estate reality show. Let us refresh your memory…
Adnan Sen’s $75 million listing on ‘Selling Sunset’
In season 2, episode 2 of Selling Sunset, Oppenheim agent Davina Potratz introduced Adnan Sen to viewers. The property developer was looking to sell his stunning property for $100 million but was advised to lower it to $75 million.
The 16,000-square-foot megamansion came with a massive commission, which was potentially “life-changing” for the ambitious agent.
The overpriced mansion proved to be a major challenge for Potratz. Despite great efforts, she never managed to get a buyer for the house, causing a rift in her relationship with her long-time client.
Adnan and Davina faced off once again in season 5 when the latter asked for a “last chance”.
“I’m asking for a third chance, because no disrespect but it was a little bit overpriced for the area based on the cost. Three-month agreement off market, that was very limited, and I didn’t have a lot of support from Jason and that was tough,” Davina explained.
Related: What happened to Jason Oppenheim’s penthouses from Season 6 of ‘Selling Sunset’?
After expressing his disappointment, Adnan spoke of a newly developed property — the Laurel House — keeping Davina on her toes but later giving her a much smaller listing because “the bigger ones are a little out of your league”.
While the house didn’t get much screentime on the series, the listing went to another prestigious brokerage (one that has its own reality show on Netflix, no less), The Agency, with Pate Stevens acting as agent.
The Laurel House, a $39.9M stunner now up for grabs in Beverly Hills
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The Agency
Given its impressive builder credits, the mansion would undoubtedly attract a lot of discerning buyers.
The inside of the Laurel House is just as stunning as its exteriors. Boasting a modern, minimalist-yet-sophisticated design, and airy spaces, it is both elegant and inviting.
The main level has an open floor plan, featuring hardwood floors, stately columns, and floor-to-ceiling arched windows. The chef’s kitchen is well-equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, a large island, and marble-topped counters.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The Agency
The primary suite upstairs has its own fireplace, his-and-her bathrooms with soaking tubs, dual walk-in closets, and two large balconies overlooking the expansive grounds.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The Agency
The basement is decked out with entertainment options, ranging from a 12-seat screening room to a wine cellar, a gym, a glam room, and two ensuite bedrooms.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of The Agency
Additional amenities include a one-bedroom detached guest house, an oversized pool with built-in seating, an outdoor kitchen, a standalone resort-style cabana, and a gallery garage that can accommodate up to 10 cars.
The combination of exceptional architecture, well-thought-out design, and luxurious finishes make the Laurel House a truly unique property. On top of that, its quick cameo in one of Netflix’s most popular shows also adds prestige and gives potential buyers extra bragging rights.
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A unique hillside estate located in South Lake Tahoe has recently come to market at $19.8 million. Gunbarrel Lodge sits adjacent to Heavenly Ski Resort and was named after Gunbarrel Run, the ski spot’s iconic slopes.
But the chalet-style mansion is more than your ordinary luxury lodge.
It has gained quite a bit of TV fame, after having appeared on The Kardashians, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and The Bachelor.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
This lodge is a favorite filming spot of reality TV stars
Spanning 17,000 square feet of living space with 17 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms, the stunning home, which was built in 2017, has hosted some of the most popular reality shows.
The Kardashian clan filmed the finale of Keeping Up with the Kardashians here, before moving to a new network.
It also served as a one-on-one date destination in an episode of The Bachelor.
BRAVO star Lisa Rinna also rented the property for a glamorous getaway with her castmates.
Related:Where do the ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Live?
In the second episode of season 11, the Housewives of Beverly Hills retreated to the lodge amid the pandemic (and we know the RHOB have impeccable taste when it comes to their luxury retreats, their gorgeous Aspen rental from Season 12 stands as proof of that).
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
Combining rustic elegance and contemporary details
It comes as no surprise that the Gunbarrel Lodge draws in high-profile names.
With vast living areas and gorgeous views from every angle, it is built for entertainment.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
Tahoe builder Bob McIntyre conceptualized the home, combining rustic elegance and contemporary details. Reclaimed materials were incorporated all throughout for a rugged, cabin-style finish.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
“The idea was to maintain the traditional rustic feel of a classic Tahoe lodge,” explains Compass agent Mark Salmon, who currently holds the listing.
What’s inside Gunbarrel Lodge?
A private gated entrance and scenic driveway lead to a grand Porte-cochere entry and a six-car garage. The property has two sections — a main house and a guest house — linked together by a bridge-like staircase and grassy lawn.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
Inside the lodge, there are two fully-equipped kitchens, over a dozen fireplaces, spacious rooms, and two dining tables. The semi-detached guest house has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a covered outdoor deck, and a rooftop viewing area.
The expansive abode can comfortably house 30 to 40 people.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
Most bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom and a private terrace that offers stunning views of the lush surroundings. Large glass windows bring plenty of natural light in, creating an inviting indoor-outdoor ambiance.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
One of the most notable areas is the great room — a grand entertainment space with a wrap-around terrace that provides a sweeping panoramic view of the lake below.
Amenities include a heated indoor pool, game rooms, a rooftop hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, and a 24-seat private movie theater. As the lodge is situated just above the base of the resort, it also has convenient ski-in/ski-out access.
Photo credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Arial Canvas courtesy of Compass
Discerning buyers can enjoy luxurious cabin living and also get bragging rights for owning a property that has been heavily featured on the small screen. Compass agent Mark Salmon holds the listing.
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With a new season comes the urge to revamp your home. New cheery furnishings and colorful accessories can pump new energy into your place and give it a more welcoming feel. And Memorial Day is a good time to take advantage of discounts on quality furniture and decor.
We spent hours digging through Amazon’s thousands of deals on home decor and accents to spruce up your living spaces and found 14 bargains too good to pass up. Equal parts functional and stylish, these pieces will transform your home without putting a massive dent in your bank account.
Take a look at the handpicked deals that will help you breathe new life into your space, and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s full list of special offers.
Amazon
Aoruisen Round Throw Pillow
A new plush pillow arrangement will make your couch feel like new again, even if you’ve had it for years. These decorative pillows aren’t just pretty to look at. They can also be used to deliver comfort during your reality TV marathons.
To buy: From $15 with coupon (was $23); amazon.com.
Amazon
Olanly Luxury Bathroom Rug Mat
Stepping out of the shower and onto ice-cold tile is a nightmare scenario. This highly absorbent microfiber bath rug will save your floor and your feet. The best-seller comes in nine different sizes and 11 charming colorways.
To buy: $36 (was $40); amazon.com.
Amazon
Amazon Basics Upholstered Tufted Storage Ottoman
If you’re short on space or simply just prefer not to see clutter, then a storage ottoman will be your best friend. No one will guess that this modern footstool doubles as a chic place to stash extra blankets, magazines, books, electronics, and so much more.
To buy: $72 (was $117); amazon.com.
Amazon
Sakringt Cordless Rechargeable Table Lamp
This set of contemporary, cordless LED lamps work as accent decor, minimalist desk lighting, ambient accessories, and more. They feature a sleek anodized finish, three color temperatures, and between eight and 40 hours of light when fully charged.
To buy: $60 (was $80); amazon.com.
Amazon
Umbra Trigg Geometric Hanging Planter
An easy way to add a little character to your home is with gorgeous greenery. Whether you’re an avid green thumb or prefer the company of charming faux plants, this fun, geometric planter will only take up vertical space while enlivening the room.
To buy: $25 (was $31); amazon.com.
Amazon
Amoystone Teal Agate Bookends
Add color and flair to your bookshelves will help from these stunning, jewel-toned agate bookends. They’re shoppable in teal, black, natural, and pink and come in four sizes. They also make lovely standalone decorative pieces around your home.
To buy: $29 (was $36); amazon.com.
Amazon
Yaheetech Accent Chair
Accent chairs are a fabulous addition to just about any room in your house. Bring a personal touch to your home office, living room, or sitting room with a velvet accent chair that all of your guests will want to sink into.
To buy: $66 with coupon (was $93); amazon.com.
Amazon
HBCY Creations Round Mirror
If your entryway seems small and stuffy, a chic mirror can make the space feel more open and even brighter. This exquisite option from HBCY is available in matte black, gold, and silver finishes, as well as five sizes to fit your area perfectly.
To buy: $60 (was $100); amazon.com.
Amazon
Tinsow Artificial Eucalyptus Stems
These artificial eucalyptus stems are so versatile, you may want to buy them in bulk. The set includes five stems with about 25 leaves each that measure 15 inches tall. Create the floral arrangement of your dreams with them.
To buy: $8 (was $12); amazon.com.
Amazon
Roomfitters Faux Marble Coffee Table
Your coffee table is usually the center of your living space, so updating it can easily make your living room look instantly refreshed. The two-tiered design gives you more opportunity to decorate with books and accessories or festive holiday decor.
To buy: $99 (was $189); amazon.com.
Amazon
Oubonun Rustic Tablecloth
You don’t need to swap out your dinner table when you can simply switch out your tablecloths and introduce a whole new vibe into the room. Adorned with a premium zigzag design and tassels on the edges, this pick is simple yet timeless—and it’s machine washable.
To buy: $17 with coupon (was $33); amazon.com.
Amazon
DII Handmade Placemat Set
Add to the rustic charm of your dining room with this set of handcrafted placemats. They’re made of recycled cotton, and thanks to their handmade quality, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Spills are easy to handle since this set is also machine washable.
It’s the season of outdoor parties, and this sturdy stoneware ceramic pitcher was meant to be showcased, whether you’ll be using it to refill everyone’s glasses with homemade iced tea or you opt to make it the centerpiece of the tablescape with a fresh handful of vibrant blooms.
To buy: $22 (was $35); amazon.com.
Amazon
Le Tauci Ceramic Spoon Rest Set
Add some practicality and color to your kitchen with this set of spoon rests. The stackable design will save you precious countertop space. Plus, the set of four ensures you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination while cooking up your delicious dishes.